OREGON S GAY/LESBIAN/BI/TRANS NEWSMAGAZINE
MAY 15 2009
by Ryan J. Prado
NORTHWEST BRIEFS
?
Coquille Tribe Enacts
Same-Sex Marriage Law
While Oregon continues to compete in a
statewide legislative decathlon, on May 24, Kitzen
Branting and her partner Jeni Branting overcame a
particularly large hurdle when they were married in
a Coos Bay, Coquille Indian Tribe plankhouse. The
union is being celebrated as the first legal same-sex
marriage in Oregon, although those legalities are
solely recognized by the Coquille Tribe.
As a federally recognized sovereign nation, the
7 Ttf
ences that they might not [have] otherwise,”
Sisters welcomes every individual to become a
said Jackson.
Big - as either a Brother, Sister or Couple. Gor
“We got excited about the idea that we’d both
ski noted that QCenter has been instrumental
offer a child two totally different perspectives
in helping get the word out; Q_Center hosted
and hobbies and could help one another remain
an evening for the community to learn more
J
consistent for our Little,” Gorski added.
about the program and also featured them on
Big Brothers Big Sisters BIG
COUPLES!
shares their love of the outdoors, cooking, ani
7^
After what Jackson called a “thorough,
professional, personal and carefully orches
“[BBBSCN will] be at Pride this year,
trated” process, the couple was matched with
again, and welcome anyone to stop by and
a spunky, yet shy African-American girl, who
answer more specific questions,” said Gorski.
mals, and above all, fun!
Those in the gay, lesbian, bi and trans
community interested in learning more about
“When we were told about a little 8-year-
Coquille Tribe remains unfettered by the Oregon
its website in the Partner Spotlight section.
becoming a Big have a casual environment in
Constitution. The tribe adopted a law over a year
the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
old that simply wanted to be outside, have fim,
ago, recognizing same-sex marriage and extending
community in recent years. Through the
do fun things, have funny Bigs — she really
Big Brothers Big Sisters is partnering with
all tribal benefits of marriage to gay and lesbian
organization’s “Big Brothers, Big Sisters,
liked the word ‘fun’ — we agreed she sounded
Widmer to put on a “Bottles, Butts and Boots
couples, but the enactment of the law was shelved
Big Couples” program, a local same-sex
right for us,” said Gorksi.
Party,” a country-themed benefit for BBBSCN.
until the week of May 17, while the tribe worked
couple has charted a positive course for the
out specifics regarding child support issues.
mentorship of a very lucky “Little.”
which to do so Friday, May 29.
Both Gorski and Jackson wanted to make
The hoedown will be held at Nolitas (923 NW
sure that it was recognized by the child’s
10th Avenue) as the culmination of a larger
According to a May 21 article in The Oregonian,
Roz Gorski, co-director of community re
family that they were a couple, and would be
“Denim Swap,” which collected used denim
assistant tribal attorney Melissa Cribbins said that
lations with BBBS Columbia Northwest, and
hanging out with the youngster as such. The
to recycle and donate to BBBSCN.
though no other couples have inquired about mar
Jennifer Jackson, operations manager for Em
Little’s mother felt that Gorski and Jackson
rying yet, “I wouldn’t anticipate this will be the only
pire Pacific, Inc., met in Little Rock, Arkansas
were perfect for her daughter.
marriage.”
in 2003. After years of each wanting to mentor
“There are so many gay and lesbian couples
to purchase one or more $10 tickets to draw
a child, the pair chose the route of BBBS’ Big
out there with so much to give,” said Jackson.
from the “Wall of Beer,” with products valued
Couple program.
“Our process with BBBS was so open and
at S5-S60 from Widmer Brothers Brewing.
warm that I had to remind myself that this is
Attendees are encouraged to wear jeans and/
not the ‘norm’ in all organizations.”
or cowboy boots. Light appetizers and drinks
For more information on the Coquille Tribe, visit
coquilletribe.org.
Gorski had been a Big Sister previously
-R yan J. P rado
in Little Rock and witnessed the impact that
Big Couple a Positive
Model for Same-Sex
Mentorship
begin at 5:30 p.m. Guests have an opportunity
“Bigs” have on children in the community.
Both Bigs hope that others will hear their
When the couple moved to Portland, the
story and become involved in a child’s life via a
played. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
pieces fell into place to begin again with a Big
mentoring program like Big Couples. Gorski’s
For more information, visit bbbsnorthwest.org.
Couple mentorship.
work at BBBS is currently trying to ensure that
“I felt as if Roz and I were in a very good
more individuals from the gay, lesbian, bi and
place in our life to offer a child some experi
trans community know that Big Brothers Big
Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest
has made substantial efforts to reach out to
The “Bottles, Butts and Boots Party” will
will be served, and old-country tunes will be
-R yan J. P rado
continued on page 10
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